David Ruffin was born Davis Eli Ruffin on January 18, 1941, in Whynot, Mississippi, to Baptist minister Eli Ruffin and Ophelia Ruffin. After his mother's death just months after his birth, his father remarried a schoolteacher.
David began singing and touring at a young age with his father and siblings in a gospel group. He left home at 13 to pursue the ministry, but his exceptional showmanship caught the attention of the secular music industry. He moved to Detroit, Michigan, and signed with Anna Records in 1960 and Check-Mate Records in 1961.
David joined The Temptations at Motown Records in 1964, and his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence helped them achieve success with hits like "My Girl" in 1965. His showmanship and powerful voice made him a standout performer, and he went on to sing lead on many Temptations hits.
However, tensions arose within the group, and David was dismissed in 1968. He went on to pursue a solo career, releasing several singles, including "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)", but none of them achieved significant success.
David's solo career declined, and he struggled with substance abuse and depression. He eventually reunited with former Temptations colleague Eddie Kendricks and toured with other artists, including Hall & Oates.
In 1989, Otis Williams was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and David and Eddie began touring with ex-Temptation Dennis Edwards. Weeks later, David was found dead in a Philadelphia hospital, with the official cause of death ruled as a cocaine overdose. His family has since believed that foul play was involved.
David Ruffin's life was cut short, but his legacy lives on through his music. He had one of the most recognizable voices in music, and his songs continue to bridge the generation gap and touch hearts around the world.
